Bolstering Yucatan’s Economy: Maya Cargo Train Unveiled

The Maya Cargo Train project, set to invigorate the economy of the Yucatan Peninsula, requires an investment of 35 million pesos. The construction is expected to span a period of two years. The project, a key initiative of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's government, has been designed to include a cargo system from the outset. This system will enable efficient transportation of goods across the rail circuit, stimulating economic growth in the southeastern region of the country.

The freight train system will serve as a critical component of the Maya Train services in the five southeastern states. The launch of the system relies on the progress of the project's infrastructure, which is currently partially operational, as well as the development of additional infrastructure.

Óscar Lozano Águila, the director-general of the Maya Train, disclosed that the cargo train system has completed its conceptual phase. Its construction is slated for the second stage of the Maya Train's development. He explained that the first stage involves the passenger train, requiring the completion of the entire infrastructure, including the 1,554 kilometers of track. The development of the freight train marks the crucial second stage of the project.

Lozano also highlighted that the cargo system necessitates a series of multimodal stations not currently included in the Maya Train circuit. Once the entire circuit is operational, the management of additional works will commence. These stations are strategically important for connecting the interoceanic corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec with the Maya Train, ensuring continuity and supporting local economic growth.

The multimodal freight train stations will be integrated into the closed circuit of the Maya Train, which traverses the states of Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Chiapas. These stations will be located at strategic points with high demand for transportation and storage of goods.

The primary connection point to the circuit will be in Palenque, linking the southeast with the rest of the country. From there, journeys to other multimodal stations will commence. Additional stations are planned in Escárcega, Pomuch, Valladolid, and Poxilá. A railway bypass will be constructed to connect the station in Poxilá with the port of Progreso.

Quintana Roo, a state with historical storage limitations, will have three multimodal stations to increase reserve capacity. These stations will be in Cancun, Tulum, and the Juan Sarabia commune in the county of Othón P. Blanco. The station in Tulum will connect directly to the "Felipe Carrillo Puerto" international airport, facilitating the distribution of goods arriving by cargo planes.

The final operating yard for the freight train will be in the town of Xpujil, in the state of Campeche, where the circuit will return to its starting point in Palenque. The project has garnered interest from numerous companies that currently transport goods via highways. The train system will improve efficiencies and augment their results.

Despite the current administration not seeing the completion of the Maya Train cargo system, future president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has committed to maintaining momentum and providing the necessary budget for its completion.